WOMEN'S INTRO TO BACKCOUNTRY SKI & SPLITBOARDING

Have you ever wondered what lies beyond the resort or in the mountains around you? This is the perfect starting point. The Intro to Backcountry program allows you to get a taste of backcountry skiing or riding before taking any major steps. Throughout the day, our experienced guides will teach you the basics of equipment, safe travel, navigating terrain, companion rescue, and most importantly, skiing or riding some laps in the Whistler Blackcomb backcountry.

Even without prior experience or training, this initial step provides a perfect opportunity to determine if backcountry travel is right for you. You can ask questions and seek advice from one of our professional guides, and will leave you yearning for more days of endless terrain and bottomless snow.

Important Information

• Avalanche safety equipment is not included (transceiver, shovel, probe)
• Touring skis or splitboard required.
• Geared for skiers and snowboarders who are ready to step beyond the resort but have little or no backcountry experience. For those with backcountry experience we reccomend booking Whistler Backcountry Ski & Splitboard Tour.
• Participants must be comfortable and confident in intermediate terrain [blue runs] in a variety of snow conditions. If you are unsure of your ability, please contact us for more information.
• Groups can expect 2 – 4 runs for the day, depending on ability and fitness level
• Transportation is not included.

Lift Ticket: If you do NOT currently possess a valid Whistler Blackcomb lift ticket (Seasons Pass, Spirit Pass, Edge Card, Epic Pass, etc.), you may buy a Lift ticket through our office at checkout.

The guide will ensure that everyone signs a waiver, performs a gear check, and attends a trip briefing on safety and the day’s objectives.

Take Whistler or Blackcomb Lifts ready to start the day:

• Equipment setup boots, skins and ski’s or board for touring
• Trailhead procedures with transceiver
• Companion rescue review
• How to efficiently walk up hill in touring mode
• Terrain choice and limitations depending on hazards

Uphill terrain selection and track-setting:

• Safe terrain selection and efficient uptrack.
• How to evaluate a slope
• Maintain situational awareness

Downhill safe terrain choice and technique:

• Use Slope Avlauator to choose a run appropriate to conditions.
• Efficient transition from touring to skiing mode. Care of skins, transition routine.
• How to best ski the run
• Where and when to regroup safely

The day will finish at approximately 4:30 pm with a debrief. The guide will also suggest what to do next to further your backcountry knowledge and abilities.

MSAA Loyalty Program: Following the AST-1, students will be added to the MSAA loyalty program, giving them a 10% discount on any future course with MSAA. Following the AST-1 Course we reccomend all students take the AST-2 course within the next 1-2 seasons. For more information contact our office.

Rentals/Purchase:

If you require rentals, we have teamed up with local companies to provide discounted rates. Visit our rental page HERE for more information!

Equipment:

• Touring skis or splitboard and skins
• Avalanche safety equipment (transceiver, shovel, probe)
• Ski / snowboard boots (your regular boots will work with the touring bindings)
• Poles
• Lift pass
• Weatherproof shell jacket and pants – dress for a day in the alpine
• Warm layers (fleece or puffy jacket)
• Thermal under layer
• Gloves
• Winter hat/toque
• Helmet
• Goggles and/or sunglasses
• Sunscreen
• Water (1 litre)
• Lunch and snacks
• Camera